Are Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water a Health Risk?
In 2008, the Associated Press (AP) conducted a five-month investigation and published a three-part series documenting a wide array of pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers, and sex hormones) that were present in the drinking water of at least 41 million Americans. The concentrations were minuscule but left scientists concerned. How do pharmaceuticals end up in… Read more
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Linked to Air Pollution
The University College of London revealed their study findings that showed a link between air pollution and a heightened risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD.) The most polluted areas tested in the study were at least eight percent more likely to report people having AMD. The leading cause of irreversible blindness among people over 50… Read more
Five Ways to Melt Snow for Survival
Melting snow is a useful life hack for survival, especially during winter trips. If you find yourself in a situation without enough water, these tips will come in handy. Boil snow: one of the most basic skillsets necessary for melting snow, all you need is a pot and a fire. You can either use a… Read more
Six Reasons Why Landlines are Better for Emergencies
Corded telephones are rapidly losing popularity, especially as technology has improved in recent years, giving way to a more portable – and practical – way to communicate via cell/smartphones. Only 40 percent of Americans still have a landline. However, in emergencies, landlines are way more secure and safe. Power Outages: Landlines are more reliable during… Read more
Will Medicare Cover Prescription Lenses, Glasses, or Sunglasses?
If eyeglasses or other corrective lenses are deemed “medically necessary” (after cataract surgery, for example), they might be covered by Medicare. Otherwise, Parts A and B of Original Medicare will not assist with prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, or eyeglass costs. Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) might offer eyeglass, contact, and prescription sunglass vision coverage. Vision… Read more
LASIK Procedures Help Basketball Athletes Perform Better
Player Performance is of utmost importance in the sports realm, especially basketball. Superior ball-handling skills are required to shoot, dodge, and move around the court rapidly. For ultimate hand-eye coordination, athletes should have good vision. Basketball players continuously use their eyes to calculate depth, distance, and rapidly-moving players around them. Lightning-fast risk and reward assessments… Read more
Former Michigan Governor and Eight Others Face Charges in Flint Water Crisis
After a nearly two-year-long criminal investigation, Michigan prosecutors announced 41 counts (34 felonies and seven misdemeanors) against nine high-ranking government officials, including former governor Rick Snyder, his top advisors, trusted medical officials, and two emergency managers. Two of the officials were charged with nine counts of involuntary manslaughter. According to prosecutors, Flint residents’ health and… Read more
Researchers Better Understand Sleep Patterns with MRI
Stages of deep sleep can significantly change our consciousness, just as it does in a coma or under anesthesia. Scientists have hypothesized that brain activity declines when we sleep, using research conducted with electroencephalography (EEG), a process that uses electrodes placed along a patient’s scalp to measure brain activity. Anjali Tarun, a doctoral assistant at… Read more
Three Tips to Deliver a Strong Insurance Pitch
Three Tips to Deliver a Strong Insurance Pitch Insurance sales can be challenging. It requires a balance of friendly tactics blended with your promotional. All too often, sales-driven rhetoric seems overbearing to clients. On the other hand, being too friendly can drive people away as well. To avoid either of these situations, it is a… Read more
Four Common Types of Hand Tumors
Tumors within the hand can be many different shapes and sizes. Technically, tumors can be cancerous, but most are benign. Common hand and wrist tumors are both above and below the skin. WartsThese extremely common bumps are non-cancerous and spread due to the human papillomavirus (HPV) easily. Warts are mostly harmless but can be embarrassing,… Read more